Understanding how red blood cells develop and function
Official title: Mechanisms of proteome curation during red blood cell differentiation
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11026768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how red blood cells develop and change their proteins to make hemoglobin, which is important for carrying oxygen in your body, and it focuses on a special enzyme that helps get rid of extra proteins during this process, with the hope that what we learn can help improve treatments for blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,914 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177823-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with anemia or other blood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-blood-related conditions or those who do not have any blood disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the processes involved in the differentiation of red blood cells, focusing on how these cells restructure their proteins to produce hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport in the body. The study examines the role of a specific enzyme, UBE2O, which helps eliminate unnecessary proteins during the final stages of red blood cell development. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how red blood cells maintain their health and functionality. Patients may benefit from insights gained into blood disorders and potential new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anemia and other blood-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein regulation in blood cells, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shao, Sichen — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Shao, Sichen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.